Bar Cham

We had such a great experience at Bar Cham. There was a bit of a wait, but it was so well managed that it didn’t feel inconvenient at all. The staff were incredibly attentive and helpful - they really took the time to understand our palate and preferences, and then recommended drinks that were spot-on and absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed, which made it the perfect place to just unwind and enjoy. Loved every bit of our time here. 🍸

Atmosphere: 9/10 Tucked into Seoul’s Seochon neighborhood, Bar Cham blends Japanese woodwork minimalism with clever modern touches — infrastructure like fire alarms, cameras, and vents are invisibly tucked away. The backbar is clean and elegant, fully integrated into the warm-toned interior. Funky music plays at a mid-loud but manageable volume, keeping the energy up without killing conversation. Drinks: 6.5/10 Recommended drink: Jeju The menu is concept-driven and layered — every year, new themed cocktails are added, while bestsellers from previous menus are kept as legacy drinks. Each cocktail comes with a short backstory. Coasters are sharp, glassware is high-end (with some custom pieces), and the English intro is thoughtful and well-done. Garnishes and presentation vary — some drinks look plain, others show real flair. Flavor-wise, drinks are hit or miss. One Spring Day tasted overwhelmingly herbal, like Chinese medicine. In contrast, Jeju stood out with its bright mandarin balance and a presentation that actually felt inspired. Service: 9.5/10 Water, warm towels, and snacks were all provided. The team was attentive, welcoming, and highly professional. Prices are slightly above average but appropriate for the level of detail and service. This bar is ranked #20 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and #71 on the World’s 50 Best Bars. The ranking feels a little too high in my opinion.l, for the quality and balance of drinks.

Wonderful cocktail bar. Yes yes, it’s on some top 50 list (which to be fair is how I found it). But come for the staff and the lovely drinks. Korean booze creating some amazing mixes. All the staff were very attentive. I would have stayed a lot longer but had to dump the kids in a cafe next door as no under ages allowed in, which is fair enough.

Bar Cham is a standout in Seoul’s cocktail scene. The drinks are expertly crafted with Korean ingredients, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The setting is intimate and stylish, and the service is top-notch. A must-visit for cocktail lovers looking for a refined, unforgettable experience.

Bar Cham is a craft cocktail bar located in an alley near Gwanghwamun. The bartenders are very friendly, speak relatively good English and quite attentive to all guests who enter. I was very lucky to score a seat at the counter on a Saturday night without any wait. I didn’t see any available weekend reservations the rest of the month online, so I must have gotten lucky. After receiving a cocktail menu, I spent a bit of time, perusing the many selections. I ended up starting with the 충주김밥 Chungju Gimbap, which had a peculiar savory flavor to it. It was not bad, but it took me a while to acclimate to its pickled, sweet and sour tasting notes. The second drink I tried was the 송편 Songpyeon, which is the name of a traditional type of rice cake. Bar Cham’s cocktail version had a lot of variety to it, including a couple drops of sesame oil and a green chocolate shaped like a songpyeon. The flavors were somewhat more conventional and pleasant. I was about to stop there, but I ended up ordering the Personal Color. It has a base of Hwayo 41 premium soju with fermented pear and lemon, topped with a whipped egg white and three colored drops. It was the most enjoyable of the three cocktails that I tried of the three. The creator of the drink proudly raised her hand when recognized by a fellow bartender. I was very glad that I had stopped by and had the opportunity to get a seat at the bar without a wait. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to experience the taste of Korea in a cocktail glass.

A true hidden gem in the heart of Seoul! ✨ The atmosphere is intimate and beautifully designed, blending modern style with traditional Korean touches. The cocktails are creative, well-balanced, and feature unique local ingredients you can really taste the craft behind each one. 🍸 The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, taking time to explain each drink. If you’re into cocktails and want a refined experience in Seoul, Bar Cham is a must-visit. Highly recommended! 🙌

This is a bar I have been visiting since 2018 It is the treasure of Seochon and a place that shaped the culture of Seochon itself They are famous for their cocktails made with traditional Korean spirits but in fact they are truly skilled bartenders who also excel at modern classics and classic cocktails✨ Especially BJ has been a true role model to me giving me inspiration guidance and affection 🥹

The concept is cool, thoughtfully supported by small details in their drinks, inferior, and decor. All the staffs are also very helpful and welcoming. A gentlemen assisted us throughout the whole experience from waiting until leaving, making it extremely memorable. Will definitely recommend 🫶🫶🫶